Munaf Patel Fined for Code of Conduct Breach After Tense DC-RR Super Over Thriller

In a first for IPL 2025, a member of a team’s support staff has been penalized for breaching the league’s Code of Conduct. Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel was handed a demerit point and fined 25 percent of his match fee following the Capitals’ thrilling Super Over win against Rajasthan Royals last night.

The match itself was a high-octane affair — a rollercoaster that saw both sides finish with identical scores of 188 in their 20 overs before DC held their nerve in the Super Over to seal a memorable victory. It had all the drama you'd expect from a blockbuster: big performances, chaotic moments, and a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats. 

However, things got a bit heated on the sidelines. Munaf, a former India pacer, was caught on camera in a fiery exchange with the fourth umpire during DC’s defense of their total. While the IPL didn’t officially detail what the breach was, it appears to stem from that incident. A video widely shared on social media shows Munaf in a visibly animated conversation with the umpire, reportedly over a substitute fielder not being allowed onto the pitch to deliver a tactical message from the team. 

Munaf Patel had a heated exchange with the 4th umpire during the #DCvRR match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi after the umpire denied sending a player to enter the ground to convey his message.#DCvsRR #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/hHv0tNAUvd

— Gaurav Chaudhary (@gkctweets) April 16, 2025

The IPL confirmed the punishment in a short statement: “Munaf Patel admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.20 – which pertains to conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game – and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction.” 

This isn’t the first time Delhi Capitals have found themselves in hot water this season. Their captain, Axar Patel, was fined ₹12 lakh earlier in the tournament after a slow over-rate against Mumbai Indians — their only loss of the campaign so far. While the Capitals will be pleased with the win, they'll want to avoid these kinds of distractions going forward. With the playoffs in sight, keeping things calm both on and off the field will be key. 

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